Back pain is a medical problem in the back that is a result of various issues like accidental injury, strained muscles, arthritis, or osteoporosis. What makes it worse is no exercise, dietary loss, and ignorance towards pain. Back pain in today’s time is a common problem. Medicines can reduce your pain but physiotherapy back pain exercises can help you get rid of the pain.
A report published in 2023 by WHO mentioned that there were about 619 million people who suffered with back pain globally. The number is expected to rise to 843 million cases by 2050. Whopping number which obviously does not look good. Back pain is not an uncommon problem these days. Lifestyle issues, lack of exercise and poor diet or postural issues have given rise to serious concerns.
In another study and research made in the name “Prevalence of low back pain in India: A systematic review and meta-analysis”, it was established that the lifetime prevalence of low back pain in India was 48%. The researchers also established that the point, yearly, and lifetime prevalence rates of low back pain (LBP) are greater in the Indian population when compared to other ethnic groups and the worldwide population. LBP affects a significant fraction of the population, particularly women, those living in rural areas, and primary school personnel.
Understanding Back Pain
We just talked about the possible reasons for back pain. Let us look at each in detail.
1. Poor posture:
Poor posture can cause bad back pain.
Bad sitting postures can cause muscle strain, spine misalignment, and imbalances. When you keep bad posture, it can lead to excessive pressure on spinal discs and joints. Bad posture can increase the wear and tear, reduce flexibility, and aggravate nerve compression for more pain.
Such conditions can be sorted with physiotherapy treatment. These days you can book physiotherapy treatment at home. Look for a physiotherapy centre near me to get fast services especially when you feel irritated with the back pain. Make sure you keep correct posture throughout the day especially if you have long hour sitting jobs. Make sure your workstation is ergonomically good that supports your posture. Use a chair that provides proper lumbar support.
2. Muscle strain:
Overworking and stretching beyond limit can lead to inflammation in muscles. It can cause back pain and discomfort. When you ignore good posture and make sudden movements or lift heavy objects improperly, it can affect your muscles’ flexibility.
For quick relief you can either avail services of physiotherapy at home or visit physiotherapy clinic. It can promote proper movement and speeds up recovery.
3. Herniated discs:
When the inner-gel-like core of the spinal disc pushes through the outer layer, it irritates the nearby nerves. This can give sharp pain, numbness, or weakness in the back and legs.
Gradually physiotherapy services can help alleviate this pain. Targeted exercises can strengthen the surrounding muscles. Over time, you will see improved flexibility and reduce pressure on the affected disc. Ultimately, physiotherapy back pain exercises can promote healing and prevent further injury.
Types of Back Pain
Let us now look at the types of the back pain:
- Acute vs. chronic
Aspect | Acute Back Pain | Chronic Back Pain |
|---|---|---|
Duration | Acute back pain lasts for 3-6 months. | On the other hand, chronic back pain can last for more than 6 months. |
Onset | Acute back pain starts with sudden injury or illness. | Chronic pain is followed by acute pain but persists over a long time. It is also linked to arthritis or nerve damage. |
Treatment | Can be treated with physiotherapy treatment. | It requires medical treatment, physiotherapy services, and management. |
Symptoms | Sharp, severe, and specific to the area. | May affect multiple areas and the pain can be throbbing, dull and aching. |
- Lower back pain vs. upper back pain
Aspect | Lower back pain | Upper back pain |
Region affected | The pain occurs in the lumbar region, below the ribcage. | Whereas upper back pain occur between lower back and neck. |
Common causes | Lower back pain is caused by poor posture, herniated discs, heavy lifting, sciatica and muscle strain. | Whereas upper back pain is caused by scoliosis, poor posture, muscle strain, injury, and poor ergonomics. |
Symptoms | When you suffer with lower back pain, dull ache, limited mobility, stiffness, and shooting pain down the legs. | On the other hand, upper back pain gives you sharp pain radiating to the shoulders or arms, limited mobility. |
Risk factors | Some of the factors that cause lower back pain are sedentary lifestyle, poor posture problem, and improper lifting techniques. | And for upper back pain some of the factors responsible are carrying heavy bags, long hours sitting and standing, and lack of ergonomics. |
Whatever the kind of back pain, get physiotherapy back pain correction for quick relief. In the next section, you can read two different physiotherapy treatments that include traditional physiotherapy and innovative physiotherapy treatment.
Let us look at these one by one.
Traditional Physiotherapy Treatments
Traditional physiotherapy treatment is managing discomfort in back and promoting healing.
1. Manual therapy
Manual physiotherapy service includes hands-on techniques which are often performed by a physiotherapist. The treating practitioner manipulates joints and soft tissues. In manual therapy, the technique involves joint mobilisation, manipulation, and soft tissue massage. This type of physiotherapy back pain exercises help to improve range of motion, reduce pain, and enhance function.
Time to Recover:
Recovery time varies based on the condition and individual response but can range from a few weeks to several months with consistent treatment.
Benefits:
- These are the benefits of manual physiotherapy exercises:
- Reduces pain and muscle tension
- Improves joint mobility and flexibility
- Enhances blood circulation and healing
- Restores functional movement
2. Heat and cold therapy
Another well-liked technique for treating back pain is heat and cold therapy. Physiotherapists often use heating pads, warm packs, and warm baths to promote blood flow, ease muscle tension, and lessen stiffness. Conversely, under cold therapy physiotherapists use ice packs.These back pain exercises from physiotherapy help lessen numbness, swelling, and inflammation.
Time to Recover:
The sessions takes 15-20 minutes, and it can give you immediate benefit. But full recovery depends on the underlying condition and other treatments used.
Benefits:
- Heat therapy helps reduce spasms and stress in the muscles, increase the pliability of tissue, and boost blood flow.
- The cold therapy decreases edema and inflammation. It also lessens the spasms in the muscles.
3. Electrical stimulation
This physiotherapy back pain treatment involves using a device that sends mild electrical impulses through electrodes placed on the skin. This stimulates nerves and muscles and promotes pain relief. When you feel better with pain, the therapy also strengthens muscles.
Time to Recover:
Electrical stimulations’ one session takes 15-30 minutes. Physiotherapist will decide on the number of sessions after analysing the conditions. The patient will take several weeks to months for recovery.
Benefits:
- Reduces chronic and acute pain
- Enhances muscle strength and function
- Enhances blood circulation
- Makes healing of injured tissues faster
Limitations of traditional treatments
Here are five limitations of traditional physiotherapy treatments:
- Time-consuming: Traditional physiotherapy treatment is time consuming. The physiotherapist may call frequently for recovery.
- Limited Pain Relief: Some patients may require continued care. And their pain and functioning abilities may improve gradually for reduced pain and better functioning abilities.
- Not Suitable for All Conditions: Traditional physiotherapy may not be suitable for some chronic conditions. And this can force patients to resort to alternative therapies.
- Dependency on Therapist Skills: The output of relief for patients will depend on proficiency and experience of the physiotherapist.
- Cost and Accessibility: Every session cost may accumulate making it an expensive treatment.
Innovative Physiotherapy Treatments
Some of the innovative physiotherapy treatment:
1. Laser Therapy
Laser therapy, or low-level laser therapy (LLLT) uses low-intensity lasers (specific wavelength of light) to target affected tissues.
A device that emits laser light is placed over the area that is affected with pain. It allows the light to penetrate the skin and underlying tissues. Further the light is absorbed by the mitochondria in cells that increases cellular energy (ATP) production.
And when the cell’s energy is high, it boosts cell metabolism, supports collagen and elastin production. You also get improved blood circulation and reduced inflammation and pain. AlignBody-Physiotherapy Delhi Centre can give you laser therapy at an affordable cost.
Benefits of Laser Therapy
Some of the proven benefits of Laser therapy include:
- Pain Reduction: Less pain as laser results in higher endorphin release and reduced inflammation.
- Accelerated Healing: Faster healing as laser therapy increases cellular energy which leads to improved blood flow.
- Versatile Application: Laser therapy can be easily used on various parts of the body. It can be used for different types of injuries and conditions.
- Reduced Need for Medications: It can lessen the reliance on pain medications and anti-inflammatory drugs, reducing potential side effects and dependency.
Conditions Treated with Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is effective in treating a variety of conditions, that includes:
- Musculoskeletal Pain: Physical conditions like arthritis, bursitis, and tendonitis can get better with laser.
- Sports Injuries: Any strains, sprains, and soft tissue injuries that one succumb to during games .
- Chronic Pain: Chronic back pain can see significant improvement with laser.
- Wound Healing: Wounds, ulcers, and surgical incisions can be healed faster with laser.
- Neuropathic Pain: Neuropathy and nerve injuries are treated effectively by reducing pain and promoting nerve repair.
2. Shockwave Therapy
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), concentrates on using acoustic waves. These waves deliver high-energy pulses to targeted areas of the body. Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment which promotes blood flow, reduces inflammation, and breaks down scar tissues. Ultimately the healing gets faster.
Shockwave therapy is typically used for musculoskeletal conditions.
Benefits and Effectiveness
Shockwave therapy offers several benefits,:
- pain relief
- enhanced mobility
- accelerated healing.
Shockwave therapy has given signs of success in treating various conditions. The treatment is non-invasive, and patients do not need anaesthesia. There are no side effects which make shock therapy a safe option for many patients.
Appropriate Candidates for Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is suitable for individuals with chronic pain and musculoskeletal conditions who do not respond to conventional treatment.
Patients with tendinopathies, plantar fasciitis, and calcific shoulder tendinitis can also take shockwave therapy. But it may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions, such as blood clotting disorders, infections, or tumours in the treatment area, and those who are pregnant. A thorough evaluation by a healthcare professional is essential to determine if shockwave therapy is appropriate.
Dry Needling
Dry needling is a therapeutic technique that helps patients to get rid of musculoskeletal pain. For the process, a medical practitioner inserts thin and sterile needles into trigger points. This helps improve blood flow, reduce pain and release muscle tension.
Dry needling concentrates on addressing specific neuromuscular conditions.
Benefits and Potential Risks
Dry needling is widely used as it offers benefits like:
- improved motion and strength
- fast back pain relief
- better muscle functionality
Dry needling is an innovative physiotherapy back pain treatment for treating back pain that is chronic or may have arisen either due to muscle tightness or any sports injuries. At times the patients get soreness, bruising, bleeding, and, in some cases, infection or pneumothorax.
It’s essential that both the procedures are performed by a licensed practitioner to avoid any risks.
Dry Needling Vs Acupuncture
Though both procedures require inserting needles into the body, here are the difference between the two:
- Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese method, aims to balance the body’s energy flow. On the other hand, Dry needling, based on Western medical principles, targets specific muscle and tissue dysfunctions.
- Acupuncture is used for a broader range of health issues like chronic pain, anxiety, and digestive problems. You can use dry needling to treat musculoskeletal pain and enhance physical function.
Aquatic Therapy
Practising therapeutic exercises and treatments in a pool or other water-based setting is known as aquatic therapy.
The natural qualities of water that include buoyancy, resistance, and temperature qualities support an environment for exercise and rehabilitation. This physiotherapy treatment is advantageous for those who suffer with multiple physical ailments.
Aquatic Therapy lifts off the burden from patients and enhances the healing in the low stress and a supportive setting.
Benefits of Water-Based Exercises
Water-based exercises offer numerous benefits that include:
- Reduced joint stress due to the buoyancy of water. It helps reduce intensity of the pain and improve mobility.
- Improved muscle strength and endurance while minimising risk of injury.
- The warmth of the water relaxes muscles, promotes healing with improved circulation.
Aquatic therapy is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, making it an inclusive option for rehabilitation and exercise.
Suitable Conditions for Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy is suitable for a wide range of conditions. Any person suffering with arthritis, or any other chronic pain like back pain can choose aquatic therapy.
This physiotherapy treatment is also suitable for individuals with back pain. It assists in balance and coordination issues, as the water provides a safe environment to practise movements.
Virtual Reality Therapy
Physiotherapy is progressively incorporating virtual reality (VR), a cutting-edge pain management technology.
The best part with Virtual reality (VR) is that it can mimic real-world situations and motions. It helps promote participation in a safe environment for therapeutic exercises.
Patients get virtual reality (VR) headsets that show interactive 3D environments as part of their treatment. They can practise useful motions, carry out targeted exercises, and get fast feedback. In the end, the patients take pleasure in their recuperation since they are inspired to continue their therapy.
Benefits and Applications
The benefits of using VR in physiotherapy include:
- The experience is immersive that makes repetitive exercise more enjoyable and less monotonous.
- VR allows for precise tracking during the therapy and treatment. It enables tailored adjustments to therapy programs.
Applications of VR in physiotherapy range from rehabilitation after injuries and surgeries to improving balance and coordination in neurological conditions. VR physiotherapy can help manage chronic pain by distracting patients from discomfort.
Future of VR in Back Pain Treatment
The advancements in VR technology and increasing evidence seems to support the growth of VR in physiotherapy back pain treatment. Its efficacy can provide customised back pain solutions to make better activities of daily living.
The therapeutic treatment will help patients improve their posture, strength, and flexibility in a controlled environment. Gradually, the VR technology has become more accessible and cost-effective. And this has made it a standard component of back pain rehabilitation. The therapy is non-invasive and engaging in comparison to traditional therapies.
At-Home Physiotherapy Exercises
Physiotherapy at home is becoming increasingly popular. The best part is that it offers convenience to get rid of pain without visiting the near physiotherapy centre.
Here are some recommended at-home physiotherapy exercises for back pain:
1. Pelvic Tilts
One can try pelvic tilts by lying on the back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. You need to tighten the muscles and flatten the back to touch the ground. Hold for a few seconds, then relax.
Pelvic tilts can strengthen lower back and abdominal muscles as it is a great physio back pain exercise.
2. Bridges
You can perform physio back pain exercise by lying on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Now you must lift your hips towards the ceiling and try to keep your back straight. Try holding for a few seconds and then come back to the ground.
Bridges is one of the best physiotherapy back pain exercises to strengthen the glutes, core muscles and lower back.
3. Cat-Cow Stretch
Another effective physiotherapy exercise is cat-cow stretch. To learn it, start on your hands and knees. Then just arch your back upwards (cat position) and then dip your back downwards while lifting your head (cow position). Now just repeatedly alternate between these positions slowly.
This stretching is a good physio back pain treatment that can improve flexibility and relieve you from the tension in the spine.
4. Child’s Pose
Physiotherapy back pain exercise makes your mobility better. To start with just kneel on the floor and sit back on your heels. Now as the next step stretch your arms forward while lowering your forehead to the ground. Hold your breath in this position. This is bringing physiotherapy to home and getting rid of the back pain faster.
5. Lower Back Rotational Stretch
As a physiotherapy back pain treatment, try lower back rotational stretch. You can practice these exercises or ask about these at near physiotherapy centres. But to start on your own, lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. You can keep your shoulders on the floor and gently lower both knees to one side and then switch side alternatively.
While you get physiotherapy at home, it is advisable to consult a professional from a Physiotherapy Clinic. A Physiotherapist can customise for you physio back pain exercises to ensure maximum effectiveness and safety.
To get services faster, search “physiotherapy centre near me” to locate nearby Physiotherapy Services. AlignBody can be your next go-to physiotherapy Delhi centre to get rid of lower back pain.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
The innovative physiotherapy treatment can cost an average of ₹500 to ₹3,000 per session.
The results will depend on the condition being treated. But in common you can see relief from physio back pain in 1 week.
Not as such. But at times some patients may complain about swelling, stiffness, bruises, fatigue and fainting (those who suffer with low blood pressure, are tired, or are hungry).
Yes, if need be you can combine multiple physio back pain exercises. It will bring comprehensive and effective results. At times physiotherapists may recommend multiple therapies to bring in effective results.
Simple, you can read for online reviews and check on google whether they have a legit website. You can inquire about the services and interact with the physiotherapist. Also ask if they can offer physiotherapy to home care services.
